Henrico Black History Month Spotlight – Benjamin J. Lambert, III
In honor of February as Black History Month, the Henrico Citizen will spotlight (on each weekday during the month) an important current or former Black resident of Henrico whose life has helped shape the county.
Born Jan. 29, 1937, in Henrico County, Dr. Benjamin Joseph Lambert III would go on to build a life defined by professional excellence, political leadership and unwavering service to his community.
The son of Benjamin Joseph Lambert Jr. and Mary Frances Warden, Lambert spent his earliest years living with his paternal grandparents on Ridge Road in Henrico’s Tuckahoe District, according to the 1940 Census. His upbringing in Henrico laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to public service and education.
Lambert graduated from Virginia Randolph High School in 1955 before earning his undergraduate degree from Virginia Union University in 1959. He later completed a graduate degree at the Massachusetts College of Optometry, preparing for a career that would span more than five decades.
Lambert established an optometry practice in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, where he provided eye care services for more than 50 years. His practice became a trusted fixture in the community, serving generations of families. In 1972, his professional and civic leadership earned him the Richmond Jaycees’ “Outstanding Young Man” award — making him the first Black recipient of the honor since its inception in 1938.
Lambert’s influence soon extended beyond his medical practice and into the political arena. In 1977, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, launching a distinguished legislative career. Three years later, in 1980, he broke new ground again as the first Black man to represent Virginia on the Democratic National Committee.
In 1985, Lambert was elected to the Virginia State Senate, representing the Ninth District, which includes part of Henrico County. He served in the Senate until 2007. During his tenure in the General Assembly, he was noted for his advocacy in transitioning Richmond to an elected-mayor system of government. Lambert argued that the change reflected the will of the people, pointing to the decisive 80-20 vote in favor of the shift.
Throughout his career, Lambert was widely regarded as compassionate and principled. He served on numerous institutional and civic boards, including Virginia Union University, St. Paul’s College, the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Dominion Resources, the Henrico Education Foundation and the Virginia Randolph Foundation. In 1993, he received the National Conference of Christians and Jews Humanitarian Award, recognizing his commitment to bridging communities.
A longtime member of Westwood Baptist Church, Lambert chaired the church’s Scholarship Committee for many years. In 2008, he was honored for his service as a board member of VCU Health System and for being “a champion of healthcare for underserved persons.”
Lambert married to the former Carolyn Morris in May 1966, and the couple had four children. Lambert died on March 2, 2014 and is buried at Pryor Memorial Cemetery in Henrico County.
